[leemj84]

Hello y'all. Close to trading in my F30 340i for a 2018 540i. Been driving the f30 and like the sportiness and speed but older now and wouldn't mind more room, comfort, and luxury.

How do you like it? Any real compelling reasons to not do it?

Thanks y'all

[aerof16]

I just came from an F30 (2013) 335i Xdrive. In my mind, the G30 is worlds better.

If you're looking for comfort, I'd highly suggest the Luxury package (maybe you can just buy the Luxury seats?). The 540i is just as sporty and significantly more luxurious than my 335i. The cabin noise is significantly reduced, even with run-flats on my 540i, and the drive is just more comfortable.

I am not sure about space, haven't really checked it out yet. The trunk is definitely bigger (or at least I think it is) but not sure about the back seat room (nobody in my family ever sits back there).

I bought my 540i because I needed a car that was comfortable with all the tech I wanted that I can put 20k miles a year on. I'm only 4 weeks into my purchase but I am very happy. I don't ever think about putting it in sport or sport +, the comfort/smoothness/quietness of driving it is what I love this car for. I drove it on a 120 mile roundtrip yesterday, mostly highway, and my trip comp was reading 37 MPG.

I'll also add, I have a Hellcat too, so speed and power are relative haha. My recommendation - just go drive a 540i. It was immediately obvious to me, after driving my F30, Hellcat, and test driving F10 M5s and F80 M3s, that this what the right choice. If you want more performance with all the comfort, I'd also look at an M550i. I drove one but passed on it because I couldn't justify the cost difference (based on what I needed this specific vehicle to do), but it was awesome.

[leemj84]

Originally Posted by aerof16

I just came from an F30 (2013) 335i Xdrive. In my mind, the G30 is worlds better.

If you're looking for comfort, I'd highly suggest the Luxury package (maybe you can just buy the Luxury seats?). The 540i is just as sporty and significantly more luxurious than my 335i. The cabin noise is significantly reduced, even with run-flats on my 540i, and the drive is just more comfortable.

I am not sure about space, haven't really checked it out yet. The trunk is definitely bigger (or at least I think it is) but not sure about the back seat room (nobody in my family ever sits back there).

I bought my 540i because I needed a car that was comfortable with all the tech I wanted that I can put 20k miles a year on. I'm only 4 weeks into my purchase but I am very happy. I don't ever think about putting it in sport or sport +, the comfort/smoothness/quietness of driving it is what I love this car for. I drove it on a 120 mile roundtrip yesterday, mostly highway, and my trip comp was reading 37 MPG.

I'll also add, I have a Hellcat too, so speed and power are relative haha. My recommendation - just go drive a 540i. It was immediately obvious to me, after driving my F30, Hellcat, and test driving F10 M5s and F80 M3s, that this what the right choice. If you want more performance with all the comfort, I'd also look at an M550i. I drove one but passed on it because I couldn't justify the cost difference (based on what I needed this specific vehicle to do), but it was awesome.

Thanks for the insights. Very helpful! M550 is a bit much for me to use as a daily driver. I have my sights set on one that has fairly decent amount of upgrades except for M Sport package.

The F30 had this creaking noise in the back. Did a bunch of research and I guess its a known issue with the shadow line window trim? I tried putting silicone tape around it but still made noise. Felt a little silly driving a bmw that was making so much noise in the cabin. I want a comfortable, luxurious, and quiet ride now. I guess I'm just getting old 🤷*♂️

[aerof16]

Just go drive one and I think it'll make the decision pretty easy for you. 540i is a fantastic car.

[Nadz]

Not quite the same in engine size so I won't comment on that, but I have previously moved from a 335d to a 530d. I had the pre LCI 3 series and the step up to a 5 series was noticeable, mainly in relation to:

- the 3 suffered from the creaks (as you mention the trim, but was also due the door seals) which you don't get with the 5
- the 5 feels significantly more premium (although the LCI 3 series has gone up a level)
- cabin is a lot quieter
- more space in the cabin, certainly in the front. in the 3 series I could touch he passenger door while sitting in the drivers seat. The 5 series is more of a stretch
- back seats have slightly more space but nothing hugely significant in my opinion
- the tech has advance. It will depend on what you have on the 3 but better idrive, bigger screen and more features was a real draw for me

Overall, the 3 series is a good car, I just feel that the 5 is more refined, quieter in the cabin and generally more of a premium car.

But, all of this is subjective.

[LuvMyE92]

Originally Posted by leemj84

I guess I'm just getting old 🤷*♂️

Yes, you are. Instead of stressing over it, embrace it! Don't be embarrassed when you grunt getting into the car. Don't hesitate to ask one of those youngsters to load up your groceries.

Seriously though, the G30 platform is really nice and with the six cylinder engine in the 540i, you're not giving up anything in performance. It's not going to handle as responsively as the 340i, even with a sport package, but it more than makes up for that in a comfortable and quiet ride.

And yes, it still handles better than most cars out there.

[Nadz]

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

Yes, you are. Instead of stressing over it, embrace it! Don't be embarrassed when you grunt getting into the car. Don't hesitate to ask one of those youngsters to load up your groceries.

Also the sign of age is when you sit in the drivers seat and swivel your legs round - as apposed to the youngsters who get in the car with the feet in the footwell first!

[JDUNITNOW]

Originally Posted by Nadz

Also the sign of age is when you sit in the drivers seat and swivel your legs round - as apposed to the youngsters who get in the car with the feet in the footwell first!

lol.. I am there too. Was thinking of a M340i and my wife and friends laughed and shamed me. The 3 is a nice car, don't get me wrong but I am coming from owning five Seven series and wanted something smaller. Looking at the M550i now because I still love the V8.

[Nadz]

Originally Posted by Wyndi335I

lol.. I am there too. Was thinking of a M340i and my wife and friends laughed and shamed me. The 3 is a nice car, don't get me wrong but I am coming from owning five Seven series and wanted something smaller. Looking at the M550i now because I still love the V8.

Even though the 340 is a cracking car - I am sure you would definitely notice the difference in size and refinement coming from a 7!

[SteveinArizona]

I am older also and my prior car was a 3 series.

I miss the tossability of the 3 vs. the 5 but the comfort is much greater.

I laughed at MuvMyE92's comment because the swivel is exactly what I do when I get in (arthritic hip). On the 3 series I had to have my car coded for easy entry/exit; on the 5 series I find the automatic rising of the steering wheel when I turn off the motor is adequate for my entry/exit.

Much of the comfort features of the 5 vs 3 comes in options: Nappa leather vs. Dakota or Sensatec; multi adjustments on the luxury seating package, etc.

I do note that some of the features that were available when I bought my 2018 car are no longer available on the current models so check what is available and what you desire before making a decision.

I believe they have deleted the leather dash option and only have a sensatec option for the dash. If you get the Sensatec or Dakota upholstery, then the Sensatec dash makes sense; but if you have the Nappa upholstery, you are screwed as they no longer offer the leather dash which is Nappa and IMHO the Sensatec dash will look wrong with Nappa upholstery.

Also, consider other car makers. I believe you can get many of the features you are looking for in a MB C series and still have the smaller car.

I suggest making a list of the must haves for you and then see what is available from the various manufacturers that will meet your requirements.

[jsf721]

I drove the M340 on the track and it’s a blast. My DD is a 540ix MSport. The 540 is a lot of fun. I opted for the M brakes and overall it’s a great daily driver. Love the car and yes it’s enough horsepower for what I need but I do lust after the 550 and M5 bc you can never have a car that accelerates too fast or one that handles too well.

I’m just limited by my wallet.

[JDUNITNOW]

Originally Posted by Nadz

Even though the 340 is a cracking car - I am sure you would definitely notice the difference in size and refinement coming from a 7!

Yes you are correct, I couldn't get over the amenities my cars had. I never fully enjoyed them because I was always driving 0and it's the most enjoyable from the back seat. The hell with my passengers but I do miss it and am looking forward to my next car.

[COBodom]

Originally Posted by leemj84

Hello y'all. Close to trading in my F30 340i for a 2018 540i. Been driving the f30 and like the sportiness and speed but older now and wouldn't mind more room, comfort, and luxury.

How do you like it? Any real compelling reasons to not do it?

Thanks y'all

Its night and day. In the field of luxury and comfort there is absolutely ZERO comparison between F30 and G30. If you're looking for a plush and luxury ride G30 540 will deliver 100%. Sportiness and speed is there too. Just don't expect 540 to be a go-kart.

The G30 5 series is leaps and bounds ahead of the F30. The interior of the F30 was unacceptable even back then when the car was current on the market. It was unequivocally the worst and cheapest build out of the 3 Germans.

G30 interior will make you feel like you won a Powerball, even F10 would when paired up against the F30.

If you were considering G20 against the G30 the answer would be slightly different.

Good luck !

[switchman]

Originally Posted by leemj84

Hello y'all. Close to trading in my F30 340i for a 2018 540i. Been driving the f30 and like the sportiness and speed but older now and wouldn't mind more room, comfort, and luxury.

How do you like it? Any real compelling reasons to not do it?

Thanks y'all

I finally decided to get rid of my F30 last week after failing to get dealer to be proactive and replace timing chain which to me a is a ticking time bomb.

Got me a 2018 540i and already knew it would be a night and day change ( had e39 for 12 years) but I never expected it to be this comfortable and luxurious !!!
Really happy now that I made the change.

And so to those that have had their cars since, and not to hijack this thread, have anyone noticed or know that front brakes are composite ? (per window sticker description)

I haven't removed my wheels to get closer look but the brake hats are rounded and rotors are not shiny like other BMWs.

[SteveinArizona]

my car's sticker said composite front rotors as standard. But I got the MSport brakes so I don't know for sure.

[Dheeth-G80]

I have one with DHP and wider tires on lighter wheels (40lb lighter than it came with so lot less rotational mass). from 245/275 to 265/295 tire size. With adaptive suspension, the difference between my M-sport 335i vs 540i is day and night. 335i would go up and down like a mf over some bumps that I did on 80mph (That lil bridge thing that a lot of the times connect a freeway section) and in my 540i it is just settled and did those on 110mph, don't even feel it tbh. Faster short tight corners you will feel the weight cuz of course its a heavier car but with lighter wheels it's about 250lbs heavier than 340i based on my research between f30.
f30 - 3538lb
g30 - 3847lb
Since you've had your f30, no reason to not get 540i, beautiful interior and exterior

[switchman]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

my car's sticker said composite front rotors as standard. But I got the MSport brakes so I don't know for sure.

Is the rotor shiny or dull or looking like rust ?

[akuwes710]

540 will check all your boxes. Definitely a more low key, subdued car. Whenever u need it, the power and sportiness are at your disposal. The comfort seats with nappa leather is smooth.

[f30modern]

I went from a 328i F30 to a 2017 540i G30 and the 5 series just felt like a major step up in everything I loved about my 3 series. Be sure to get one with the heads up display, M sport, and Napa leather seats! I enjoy the massage and ventilated seats too! You won't regret it! I do miss how light and nimble the 3 series felt but the trade off is a more solid planted and luxurious cruiser experience.

[///M-er-gized]

I went from a Yas Marina Blue F80 M3 to a black 540. (See my avatar picture).

No regrets.

However, in my case, I had to get the M Sport package. Otherwise, I'd never be able to handle the transition.

The 540 is definitely more comfortable and probably more appropriate for a 58 year old bank executive like me. Plus, it's more discreet. I don't stick out in the crowd anymore.

A couple things though. I find driving in comfort mode to be virtually intolerable. I'm always in Sport + mode. This is undoubtedly because my previous car was an M car, and the 540 in comfort mode drives like a boat by comparison. Again, no regrets. Just giving an honest point of view. The 540 in Sport + mode is excellent. Certainly not an M car, but definitely a good driving experience.

The 540 is also better when we go out with friends too. More room, more comfort, better overall experience for the passengers.

Overall I'm happy with the 540. I'll probably never get another true M car. It's just not practical, but I haven't ruled out the new M340 either.